Work-Related Car Accidents And Your Rights In A Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim
Injured in a Fort Lauderdale car accident while doing your job? Whether making deliveries, driving between job sites, or running errands for your boss, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Florida.
Crashes and collisions are common and can cause serious harm, but many workers aren’t sure whether they’re covered. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains how these claims work and what to do after a crash.
When a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Qualifies as a Work Injury
On-the-job accidents in Fort Lauderdale can occur in various ways, including car crashes. However, not every accident is covered by workers’ compensation. When applying for benefits through the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC), the key question is: Were you driving as part of your job duties at the time of the crash?
The Florida Statutes focus on what you were doing at the time of the accident, not what your job title says. Workers who may qualify for benefits in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Delivery drivers or couriers dropping off packages.
- Construction workers traveling between job sites.
- Office workers running errands for a supervisor.
- Home health aides driving to a patient’s residence.
- Accidents involving employees commuting between multiple locations during work hours.
If you were injured on a lunch break, while commuting to or from work, or during personal errands, your claim may be denied, but there are exceptions. To protect your rights to benefits, speak with an experienced Florida workers’ compensation lawyer.
What to Do After a Work-Related Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale
Work-related car accidents in Fort Lauderdale can leave you facing significant medical bills and lost income. To protect your rights to Florida workers’ compensation benefits, take these steps:
- Gather evidence from the crash scene, such as police reports and photos or videos.
- Report the accident immediately to your supervisor and fill out an incident report.
- Note exactly what you were doing at the time of the crash and who asked you to do it.
- Visit an approved provider as soon as possible, explain how your injuries happened, and detail all of your symptoms.
- Keep copies of medical records, lost wages, and any communications from your employer or their insurer.
Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer right away if your claim is denied or delayed. In some cases, you may also be able to file a car accident claim against the at-fault driver.
Work-Related Car Accident Injuries? Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workers’ compensation claims involving car accidents in South Florida are among the most complex and contested types of cases. At The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., we provide the experienced legal representation you need in this situation and help you get the benefits you deserve.
With more than 30 years of experience, we provide personalized attention and proven results. To get the compensation you need to move forward, contact our Florida workers’ compensation lawyer and request a consultation in our Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, or West Palm Beach office today.
Sources:
myfloridacfo.com/division/wc
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.09.html